Know your audience and understand their needs and problems. Know your purpose for the presentation. Know yourself and share your genuine self with the audience.
Keep Your Message Simple
Make your message easy to understand for your audience. Avoid using complex terms and jargon. Craft your message so that your grandmother or someone not familiar with your product or service will understand the benefits you offer.
How to Speak Clearly
How do you know that your audience understands your message? Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t speak so slowly that your speech is boring. Many speakers get nervous and rush what they are saying. This makes your message hard for your audience to understand.
How to Keep Calm When Speaking
Speech anxiety can cause you to hyperventilate during a presentation. Hyperventilation is breathing rapidly which can lead to fainting. Breath deeply from your abdomen (belly breathing).
How to Use Speaking Notes
Professional speakers avoid using notes to establish credibility on their topic. Speaking notes are best used for formal or business presentations when the exact wording is important. Make speaking notes easy to read and large enough to view at arm’s length.
How to Add Props to Your Presentation
Add props to your presentation to engage your audience and add clarity to your message. Rather than telling your audience to drink 8 ounces of water 4x a day, show them the amount using a water bottle.
Tell a Personal Story
Connect with your audience by telling a personal story. Share your experiences to add credibility in your presentation. I was so shy in high school that I almost fainted when giving a speech so I know that public speaking can be scary.
